American automobile company Local Motors have this week stunned the world with the first 3D printed car. Taking just 40 hours to print and assemble the Strati is an all electric convertible that may just be sign that change is approaching.

Built during the International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago the Strati consists of only 40 parts. This is greatly helped by the fact that the chassis and body are printed as one piece. There are of course still a few parts that need to be made the old fashioned way, batteries, motor and wheels for example are all conventional parts.

As far as performance is concerned the Strati is a striking looking car. Although the top speed of 40 mph should let the Strati achieve a range of 120 to 150 miles.

Local Motors plans to begin selling the Strati later this year for between $18,000 and $30,000 depending on the options selected. Is the Strati a sign of things to come? Will manufacturing as we know it survive this one? Only time will tell but here at Highpants we think we’ve seen the future and it’s printed in one piece.

Reference: Local Motors